Page 46 of Fatal By Design
When they encountered a high stone wall running along the lane, Hugh figured they were close to the entrance to Montague Lodge. Vines ran over the top, unkempt. At a gap in the border wall, they turned, and found the greenery and tree limbs equally unmaintained along the drive. It was a notable difference to Greenbriar and Fournier Downs, where each blade of grass was clipped to perfection, every errant weed plucked, and every fading bloom removed. At Cranleigh, the Neatham country estate, the gardeners kept the lawns and gardens swept, though they were a bit wilder. Purposefully so. Montague Lodge, when the main house appeared, simply gave the impression of neglect. Much like Pyke-on-Wending.
They reached the main house, which did not appear much like a lodge at all. At least not the hunting lodge Hugh’s father had frequented on Cranleigh’s property. That structure was little more than wattle and daub with dark wooden timbers that blended into the surrounding woodland. This lodge was a three-story brick square with clean lines and large windows. It was styled more like a manor house.
No servants appeared to greet them as they dismounted, and it took a minute or more for someone to open the door after Hugh brought down the brass knocker. The man, dressed in the black livery of a butler, bowed in greeting after Fournier presented his card, and they were shown into the entrance foyer. When the duke then asked if his lordship was at home, the butler announced what Fournier had been saying all along: “My lord is not in residence this summer, Your Grace.”
“Any sightings of people on the land the last week or so? Strangers? Any odd noises?” Hugh asked.
The butler frowned. “No, my lord—as I have told the other men who came asking the same questions a few days ago.”
Fournier sent Hugh a look that was the epitome of“See? I told you.”Hugh brushed it aside.
“What about Mr. Robert Henley?” he asked next.
The butler’s annoyed expression changed over to one of thought. “He departed five days ago, my lord.”
Hugh had not expected that answer. It momentarily silenced him as his mind absorbed the information.
“What was his destination?” Thornton asked.
“London, I was told. Then on to Dover.”
“He is leaving the country?” Hugh asked, surprised yet again. Dover was one of England’s primary ports.
“We have reduced the staff, taking into consideration Lord Montague’s absence, but we had expected Mr. Henley to stay for a short spell. As it was, he was here but for a fortnight.” The butler’s tone betrayed a hint of displeasure.
So, Henley had been here for at least two weeks before leaving. Hugh looked to Fournier, whose face pinched with contemplation. “He sent Genie his regrets within that time,” the duke supplied.
“Did he say why?” Hugh asked, but Fournier shook his head.
Something had changed his mind about the house party, and he was not only fleeing to London, but out of the country.
“Is there anything more I can do for you, Your Grace? My lords? Tea, perhaps?” the butler inquired.
“No, thank you for your time. We will see ourselves out,” Fournier said. But though the others turned to leave, Hugh’s feet stayed planted to the parquet flooring.
“His valet,” he said, then realizing he’d only mumbled, said louder, “Mr. Henley’s valet. Did he leave for London with his lordship?”
The butler blinked and appeared lost for words for a moment. But then recovered. “I am afraid not.”
“He is here then?”
“No, I apologize, my lord, his valet recently left his position.”
Hugh still did not move. He felt as though each revelation was adding weight to his legs, holding him in place. The valet left?
“How recently?”
“In July, my lord.”
A possibility breathed to life in his mind. “Do you know where he went?”
The man shook his head. “He gave no indication.”
“The valet’s name. Was it Samuel? Lord Cartwright’s former valet?”
A light flickered in the butler’s eyes. “Indeed. Is there any trouble with him, my lord?”
Samuel. Presumably calledSammy,Hugh imagined. The mixed-up pieces of the investigation began to lock together at last. Hugh finally came unstuck from the floor. “Thank you, you’ve been very helpful.”
